Skulking Around Queen Anne
Moving to Seattle has thus far been a bumpier experience than expected. First, our housing arrangements fell through, leaving us homeless hotel-bound vagabonds for several days while we walked (literally, walked) the length and breadth of the city looking for “For Rent” signs. Fortunately that bump had a silver lining: the place we ended up is much nicer than the place we originally intended to move. Queen Anne is a pretty neighborhood--blessedly quiet--and reminds me a little of a cleaned-up, less rowdy Allston, where I spent a lot of time during college.
The second bump was getting the news that my husband’s father passed away. Since then, we’ve both felt like we’re on the wrong continent--like we should have been there. Muslim funerals take place as soon as possible after death, so even if we got on a plane immediately after hearing the news, we would have missed the burial. Instead we’ve been on the phone more or less constantly with relatives and friends. Grief makes you reclusive. Neither of us wants to venture far, so we’ve been combing over Queen Anne, getting to know our immediate neighborhood. I’ve found used bookstores and piano bars and tiny movie theatres--a lot of the public bric-a-brac I missed in Egypt. The sun even came out today, a small mercy in a grey city.
Still, I’m pretty tired. When I get untired you may see more of the political world on this blog--originally I intended to keep the place pretty basic, but there have been things going on lately that I’d like to talk about.
Make sure to catch Talk of the Nation on NPR this Tuesday--I’ll try to make it worth your while.
Posted by on 11/16 at 09:36 PM
Salaam Willow,
So sorry to hear about your father-in-law, may he be granted peace and grace, ameen. With family spread out across the world, I know how hard it is to be far away when death comes for a loved one.
I visited Seattle for the first time earlier this year and really liked the city - and QA is a cool neighborhood!
And, funnily enough, my husband and I met at Harper’s Ferry in Allston 
Warmly,
Baraka
Posted by
Baraka on 11/17 at 12:44 AM
You did?? I used to live up the street and around the corner from there, on Parkvale Ave. Small world.
Thanks for your duas for my father-in-law. He was buried in his family’s village in the Delta rather than in Cairo, and apparently the entire district attended the funeral. Omar and I both feel better knowing he was surrounded by well-wishers at the end.
Posted by Willow on 11/17 at 03:03 AM
Salaam darling Willow,
I got your sweet care package this evening - THANK YOU and bless your dear heart!
Opened ‘Cairo’ and couldn’t stop grinning as I read the first page. Am loving and savoring it!
Thank you again - it was such a warm and kind gesture. I feel better already
Warmly,
Baraka
Posted by
Baraka on 11/17 at 09:39 AM
Dear Willow, I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Having lost my grandfather in Pakistan recently, I know how difficult it can be to want to be there but being unable. May your father-in-law rest in peace and be granted the highest level of Paradise (ameen).
Never been to Seattle, but I’ve heard great things. Considering I’ll be moving soon to the Bay Area, I’m sure I’ll make my way up there sooner or later.
Also, you’re totally tagged if you’re up to it
http://muslimmusings.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/tagged/
Posted by
Muse on 11/17 at 07:56 PM
Baraka, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book(s). The other novel is one my publisher sent me--it’s probably the best book written by a conservative Muslim I’ve ever read. Ie, it’s not what Flannery O’Connor (another deeply religious writer who struggled in the hinterland between the rights of God and the needs of art) called “pious trash”, though it is pietist in some parts.
Muse, thanks for the condolences. I’m so sorry about your grandfather. I’ve never participated in one of these “tagged” memes but I will just for you.
Posted by Willow on 11/17 at 09:03 PM
May Allah grant your father-in-law peace and grace, and raise his soul among His beloveds. Ameen.
How nice that you have moved to Seattle. There is a Nimatullahi khaniqah there if you ever feel inclined to visit
And I want to thank you again for the Cairo script:) It has been a big help. I will be listening in on NPR and can’t wait to hear you speak
Ya Haqq!
Posted by
Irvingk57@aol.com on 11/17 at 10:18 PM
I peeked into ‘Minaret’ as well and it reads beautifully. It’s been on my Amazon wish list for awhile so I’m looking forward to it!
O frabjous day filled with books from Willow! Callooh! Callay!
Thank you again!
Posted by
Baraka on 11/18 at 12:36 AM
Salaams Irving, and thank you. I’d love to hear more about the khaniqah--drop me an email?
Posted by Willow on 11/18 at 09:05 AM
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